Name: Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup honey; 4 large garlic cloves; 2 limes; 2½ lbs side of salmon; sea salt; pepper; Lime slices; ¼ cup Fresh Parsley

This honey lime garlic butter salmon is a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The buttery, garlicky sauce melds beautifully with the tender salmon, creating a dish that's both elegant and incredibly satisfying. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings out the best in salmon with minimal effort.

Photos of Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

While most of the ingredients are commonly found in your kitchen, you might need to pick up some fresh salmon and limes from the supermarket. Fresh parsley is another ingredient that adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish, so make sure to grab a bunch if you don't have any on hand.

Ingredients For Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the lime.

Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Limes: Give the sauce its zesty, tangy kick.

Side of salmon: The star of the dish, providing a rich, flavorful protein.

Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

Lime slices: For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant aesthetic.

Fresh parsley: Provides a burst of color and freshness.

One reader, Isaak Grigsby says:

This honey lime garlic butter salmon recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, creating a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze. The salmon turns out tender and juicy every time. It's a simple yet impressive dish that has become a family favorite. Highly recommend!

Isaak Grigsby

Techniques Required for Making Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

How to melt butter: Melt the butter over low-medium heat in a small saucepan until it is fully liquefied. How to whisk: Combine the honey, garlic, and lime juice with the melted butter by whisking until the mixture is well combined. How to fold foil: Fold the sides of the foil up beside the salmon to create a sealed packet. How to broil: Change the oven setting to broil or grill on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the top of the salmon.

How To Make Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Make your salmons extra tasty with our piquant garlic butter salmon dish! It’s slathered with a honey lime mix to give your salmon a sweet and sour flavor.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

⅓cupunsalted butter
¼cuphoney
4large garlic cloves,crushed
2limes,juiced
2½lbsside of salmon
sea salt,to taste
pepper,cracked, to taste, optional
lime slices,to serve
¼cupfresh parsley,chopped, divided

Instructions

Position a rack in the middle of the oven, then preheat the oven to 375 degrees F | 190 degrees C.
Line a baking sheet with a large piece of foil, or 2 long pieces of foil over lapping each other lengthways.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat.
Add the honey, garlic and lime juice, then whisk until the honey has melted through the butter and the mixture is well combined.
Place the salmon onto lined baking sheet, then evenly pour the honey-lime mixture over the salmon.
Sprinkle with a good amount of salt, about 2 teaspoons, cracked pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
Fold the sides of the foil up beside the salmon.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through, or depending on the thickness of the fish and the preferred doneness.
Change the oven setting to broil or grill for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat to caramelize the top.
Garnish with remaining parsley.
Serve immediately with fresh lime slices, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 407.81kcal
Fat: 26.79g
Saturated Fat: 9.20g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.35g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.82g
Carbohydrates: 12.55g
Fiber: 0.94g
Sugar: 9.15g
Protein: 29.50g
Cholesterol: 98.30mg
Sodium: 442.99mg
Calcium: 33.36mg
Potassium: 574.61mg
Iron: 0.89mg
Vitamin A: 73.22µg
Vitamin C: 15.77mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

To ensure the salmon cooks evenly and absorbs the honey-lime mixture thoroughly, make shallow diagonal cuts on the surface of the fish. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper and helps the fish cook uniformly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salmon Recipe

Pre-melt the butter: Melt the butter in advance and keep it ready to save time during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Line the baking sheet ahead: Prepare the baking sheet with foil before starting to cook.

Pre-slice the limes: Slice the limes in advance to streamline the process.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the honey, salt, and parsley before you start cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and adds a slightly different flavor profile.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and consistency, with a unique flavor twist.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons offer a similar acidic and citrusy flavor that can replace limes effectively.
side of salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative to salmon.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar texture and flavor, and can be used in the same quantity.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different appearance.
lime slices - Substitute with lemon slices: Lemon slices can provide the same visual appeal and a similar citrus flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that can complement the dish similarly to parsley.

Presenting Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Select the freshest ingredients: Ensure the salmon is of the highest quality, preferably wild-caught. Use fresh garlic cloves, limes, and parsley to enhance the flavors.
Create a visually appealing plate: Slice the salmon into individual portions before baking. This allows for a more refined presentation and easier serving.
Use a white plate: A pristine white plate will make the vibrant colors of the salmon, lime slices, and parsley pop, creating a visually stunning dish.
Garnish with precision: After baking, place the lime slices strategically around the salmon portions. Sprinkle the remaining parsley delicately over the top for a touch of green.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a small amount of extra honey-lime garlic butter sauce around the plate for added flavor and a glossy finish.
Incorporate texture: Serve the salmon with a side of lightly sautéed vegetables or a small portion of wild rice to add texture and complement the main dish.
Highlight the caramelization: Ensure the broiled top of the salmon is prominently displayed. The caramelized surface adds a beautiful contrast and depth to the presentation.
Maintain cleanliness: Wipe the edges of the plate to remove any stray sauce or crumbs, ensuring a clean and professional appearance.
Serve immediately: Present the dish while it's still hot to maintain the integrity of the flavors and textures, ensuring the salmon is at its peak when it reaches the table.

Essential Tools for Making Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Oven: Used to bake and broil the salmon to achieve the desired doneness and caramelization.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the salmon on while baking.
Aluminum foil: Used to line the baking sheet and wrap around the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful.
Small saucepan: Melts the butter and combines it with honey, garlic, and lime juice to create the sauce.
Whisk: Helps to mix the honey, garlic, and lime juice into the melted butter until well combined.
Knife: Used to mince the garlic and cut the limes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the garlic and limes.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of butter, honey, and parsley.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of salt and pepper.
Tongs: Useful for handling the salmon and arranging it on the baking sheet.
Serving platter: Used to serve the finished salmon with garnishes.

Storing and Freezing Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Let the honey lime garlic butter salmon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help prevent the fish from drying out and keep it fresh for longer.
Store the leftover salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back, to maintain its freshness.
If you want to freeze the honey lime garlic butter salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen salmon can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without losing its quality. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the fish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the honey lime garlic butter salmon, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the salmon tough and dry.
If you have any leftover honey lime garlic butter sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use it as a delicious glaze for other seafood dishes or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the leftover salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or a pat of butter over the top to keep the fish moist. Loosely cover the salmon with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your leftover honey lime garlic butter salmon in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces are not overlapping. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover salmon in a non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the pan, then cover and heat over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. This gentle steaming method will help to retain the moisture in the fish.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover honey lime garlic butter salmon, try flaking the fish and using it as a filling for tacos, salads, or pasta dishes. The bold flavors of the original dish will lend themselves well to a variety of new meals, making the most of your leftovers.

Interesting Fact About Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of honey, lime, and garlic not only adds a delightful flavor to the salmon, but also provides a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a delicious and healthy meal option.

Is Making Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon at Home Cost-Effective?

This honey lime garlic butter salmon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, salmon, can be a bit pricey, but the other ingredients like butter, honey, garlic, and limes are relatively inexpensive. The use of fresh parsley and lime slices adds a burst of flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $25-$30.

Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The honey lime garlic butter salmon recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. It also provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. The use of garlic and lime juice adds antioxidants and vitamin C to the recipe, further boosting its nutritional value.

However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of butter and honey, which are high in saturated fat and sugar, respectively. Consuming too much of these ingredients can lead to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
Use a smaller amount of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
Increase the amount of garlic and lime juice to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive butter and honey
Serve the salmon with a side of nutrient-dense vegetables like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh salad to balance out the meal
Opt for wild-caught salmon, as it tends to have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio compared to farmed salmon

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this honey lime garlic butter salmon recipe while also prioritizing your health and well-being.

Editor's Opinion on Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

This honey lime garlic butter salmon recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The honey and lime juice create a beautifully balanced glaze, while the garlic adds depth. Baking the salmon in foil ensures it remains moist and tender. The final broil caramelizes the top, adding a lovely texture. Fresh parsley and lime slices enhance the presentation and flavor. This dish is both simple to prepare and impressive, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Enhance Your Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Imagine the earthy flavors of asparagus perfectly roasted to a tender crisp, then sprinkled with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. This side dish adds a delightful crunch and a touch of umami that complements the buttery, citrusy notes of the Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: A vibrant medley of quinoa, black beans, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. This salad brings a refreshing, protein-packed contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Mango Avocado Salsa: Sweet, juicy mangoes and creamy avocado come together in this tropical salsa, enhanced with a hint of cilantro and a squeeze of lime. This side dish adds a burst of color and a refreshing sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory, garlicky salmon.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic. This classic comfort food provides a smooth, velvety base that complements the tangy, sweet flavors of the salmon, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

Grilled Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Grilled Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Smoky zucchini and bell peppers grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. These charred vegetables add a delightful smokiness and a pop of color to your plate, enhancing the overall dining experience with their vibrant flavors.

Similar Recipes to Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Lemon Herb Butter Cod: Dive into the zesty flavors of lemon and fresh herbs with this succulent cod dish. Perfectly baked to flaky perfection, this recipe is a delightful twist on your typical seafood dinner. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon: Experience the sweet and tangy harmony of maple syrup and Dijon mustard in this delectable salmon recipe. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering crust that pairs wonderfully with steamed asparagus or quinoa.

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Citrus Herb Grilled Shrimp: Savor the bright and refreshing taste of citrus and herbs in this grilled shrimp recipe. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a light dinner, these shrimp are marinated to perfection and grilled to a juicy finish. Serve with a side of rice pilaf or grilled vegetables.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Imagine plump mushrooms filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and finely chopped spinach. The mixture is seasoned with a hint of thyme and parmesan, creating a creamy and flavorful filling. Once stuffed, the mushrooms are baked until golden and bubbly, offering a delightful bite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine.

Bruschetta: Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of garlic for an aromatic base. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. This classic Italian appetizer is a perfect blend of freshness and richness, ideal for any gathering.

Desserts:

Lemon Meringue Tart: Imagine a crisp, buttery crust filled with a zesty lemon curd that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. The crowning glory is a fluffy, golden-brown meringue that melts in your mouth. This dessert is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect end to a meal.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Picture a rich, molten chocolate center encased in a tender cake shell. As you cut into it, the warm, gooey chocolate flows out, creating a decadent experience. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will leave your guests in awe.

Why trust this Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich flavors of butter, honey, and garlic with the zesty kick of lime. The salmon is baked to perfection, ensuring a tender and flaky texture. The use of fresh parsley and lime slices as garnish adds a burst of freshness. With precise instructions and a balance of sweet and savory elements, this dish promises a delightful culinary experience. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to deliver a memorable meal.

Have you tried this Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe? Share your experience and any tips or modifications in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of the honey-lime mixture.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and not translucent.

Can I substitute the parsley with another herb?

Absolutely! You can use cilantro, dill, or even basil if you prefer. Each herb will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but they all work well with salmon.

What can I serve with this honey lime garlic butter salmon?

This salmon pairs well with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Roasted potatoes or a light pasta dish also complement it nicely.

Can I make this recipe on the grill instead of the oven?

Yes, you can grill the salmon. Place it on a piece of foil and cook over medium heat for about the same amount of time, checking for doneness as you would in the oven.